Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Richie Havens folks on

Richie Havens' career has come full circle. Back in 1967 he was one of first artists signed to the fledgling label Verve Forecast. Over the years he wandered from label to label, always on the move, much like his constant touring schedule over the years. He's now returned for his umpteenth album, Nobody Left To Crown, which was released earlier this year.

If you're not familiar with Havens, he's had a illustrious and lengthy career. His first break into stardom came in 1969, when he opened Woodstock, the very first act on the very first day. Since then he's propagated folk music over the decades to several generations. His latest carries on that tradition with both original songs, and as has always been the case with Havens, covers of well known songs written by others (including The Who's Won't Get Fooled Again, Peter, Paul & Mary's The Great Mandala (The Wheel Of Life), and Jackson Browne's Lives In The Balance). In all cases, whether original or not, Havens' voice carries a rich gentleness and an ability to make any song his own. Even with a career that has spanned over five decades, he still retains that 60's folk signature sound of his own. Enjoy the following and then check out his extensive tour dates below.